Vertical oviposition activity of mosquitoes in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil with emphasis on the sylvan vector, Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the vertical patterns of oviposition and temporal changes in the distribution of mosquito species in an area of the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and in particular, the behavior and oviposition of potential yellow fever virus vectors. Mosquito samples were collected from the Ecological Reserve Guapiaçu (REGUA, Brazil), which includes a somewhat disturbed forest, with a large diversity of plants and animals. In all, 5,458 specimens (ten species from seven genera) were collected. Haemagogus leucocelaenus was the most frequently captured species, representing 73% of the specimens collected. Species richness and diversity were the highest in the samples collected from the ground-level ovitraps and decreased with height. Species composition also differed significantly among heights. The largest species differences were detected between ovitraps set at the ground level and those set at 7 m and 9 m; Hg. leucocelaenus, Limatus durhamii, and Limatus paraensis contributed most to these differences. Sampling month and climatic variables had significant effects on species richness and diversity. Species diversity and richness decreased with height, suggesting that the conditions for mosquito breeding are more favorable closer to the ground. Species composition also showed vertical differences.

Natural infection and vertical transmission of two flaviviruses (Yellow fever and Zika) in mosquitoes in primary forests in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro (Diptera: Culicidae)

“…Alencar et al (2016) [21] have reported three epidemiologically important mosquito species in the transmission of arboviruses ( Hg. leucocelaenus, Hg.…”

“…The traps were placed at a height that varied between 2 and 10 m above soil level. Details on the use and manufacturing of the ovitraps can be found in studies previously done [20,21]. The paddles in the traps were examined every two weeks to detect and quantify the eggs.…”

Morphological differentiation between seven Brazilian populations of Haemagogus capricornii and Hg. janthinomys (Diptera: Culicidae) using geometric morphometry of the wings

“…equinus Theobald, 1903, which can even be found in some southern parts of the Nearctic region 2 . These are mainly wild, diurnal, and acrodendrophic mosquitoes inhabiting primarily dense forest and gallery areas 3 .…”

“…In Diptera, it has been widely used to answer questions mainly related to population studies 6 . A recent study of Culex mosquitoes from the state of Rio de Janeiro showed the effects of seasonal variations on phenotypic variations using this tool 3 .…”

“…Species were identified by direct observation of morphological characters using an optical microscope (Leica DMD108® -Morrisville, United States of America -USA) according to Arnell (1973) 1 . Once identified, the wings were extirpated and later photographed according to Alencar et al (2016) 3 .…”